Bali’s climate supports the thriving of plants and animals alike. Coconut, papaya, and jackfruit trees grow from fields and ditches. Rice paddies line the hillsides, banana trees grow like weeds, and if you pay attention you may even notice a cinnamon or vanilla plant here and there.
All of this lends itself to a seriously refreshing island.
There is plenty to eat and drink in Bali, but here are some local favorites:
Fresh Juice
When Westerners think of juice, they think of sugary liquid processed in a factory, so far removed from the fruit or vegetable it is flavored to taste like.
In Indonesian culture, however, fresh juice has nothing to do with its Western cousin.
More like a smoothie, the “juice” in Indonesia is a whole fruit, blended with ice, water, and sometimes milk and sugar to make something that is far more like a smoothie.
Kopi Luwak (Civet Coffee)
Indonesia has the perfect climate for coffee to grow, and you’ll be able to find plenty of coffee plantations on the island.
Kopi Luwak is considered somewhat of a delicacy, because it’s hard to come by. The beans are found in the forest, because they are eaten and expelled by a Civet, which is a small, cat-like animal. The beans are then collected by humans, processed highly, and consumed by humans.
Bintang
You simply cannot visit Bali without seeing Bintang all over the place. Bintang is the local beer, and it’s sold in gas stations, restaurants, convenience stores, and even street stalls.
You’ll be able to find other types of beer as well, but none are as prevalent in Bintang.
If you drink, it’s a right of passage for a visitor to Bali to enjoy a Bintang on the beach.
